Thankfully, the wishes of Kain and Bridge were answered the next day, as the 6 students with a rating of B or above were called by Principal Waters to a separate conference room. Upon entering, the 6 students were greeted by the sight of 3 unfamiliar individuals.
After everyone was seated, the principal began with the introductions. "These 3 are former graduates of our Academy 1200. They are also the only graduates in recent years to enter the combat-oriented beast-taming major at one of the top 5 colleges."
The 6 students instantly became more attentive and looked at the guest lecturers with eyes full of admiration. The guests also seemed to revel in these gazes from their juniors as their chins subconsciously tilted up higher and their backs straightened.
"They are here to recount their own experiences with the college admissions test and also to provide advice to you. There are over 5000 high school academies in the empire, each of which typically churn out between 2 and 12 students qualified to take the entrance exam for the top 5 colleges.
This means that thousands of students are competing for only 1 out of around 100 available spots at a top 5 college. Therefore, admissions rates for each school are typically below 5%.
The first graduate stepped forward, the only girl of the 3. She had light blue hair and eyes, a childish face and her height barely reached Kain's chest.
'It's hard to believe that an individual that looks as though they could be blown away with a single punch was admitted into a combat major at one of the top 5 colleges. Although the strength of one's contracts is most important, a contractor too weak would only be a hindrance in battle,' thought Kain.
"I am Bridget, a second-year cadet at Supernova College in the west." Everyone, except the principal, including the other guest lecturers appeared shocked. Supernova College is ranked second out of all the colleges. But above all, they were notorious for being the most bloodthirsty of them all.
The image that comes to mind of their students from rumours is of war-hungry warriors that lick the blood of their enemies off their blades after they've finished decapitating them. Even their way of referring to their students as 'cadets' shows their militaristic atmosphere. This petite girl goes there?
"I had an A-rating. Avian-type affinity." She continued calmly, seemingly used to the shocked looks when people heard the name of her school.
"Supernova College's entrance test is the only one to remain unchanged for years now. Therefore, if you choose to partake in it, you all will know exactly what to expect. Typically, there are around 7000 applicants for Supernova, which are then sorted into 70 arenas of 100 applicants. The final man, or woman, standing will secure a spot at Supernova College.
The other top 9 students to last each round will then be given another opportunity to compete against one another for the remaining 30 spots until an entering class of 100 cadets is formed. Pretty straightforward. Any questions?"
'An entrance exam that truly befits their reputation…' thought Kain